Oprah to produce Martin Luther King film

The actress-and-talk show host has confirmed she will help produce the upcoming film which will see David Oyelowo - who played her son in The Butler - play the historical figure.

The film tells the story of a group of black marchers who attempt to walk from Selma, Alabama, to nearby Montgomery in order to gain the right to vote in 1965. However, the protesters find themselves in the crosshairs of the police.

Winfrey will produce with Brad Pitt, through his Plan B Productions company and the organisation's executives, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner. Plan B also produced Oscar frontrunner 12 Years a Slave.

Pathe, who produced Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, will also have a hand in the production.

Director Ava DuVernay told The Hollywood Reporter: "It's a subject matter close to her heart. The producers are behind some of the most forward-thinking movies of last year, and they are all coming together."

Winfrey made her return to acting after a 15-year absence in Lee Daniels' The Butler last year.

Speaking at the Screen Actors Guild Awards last weekend, the 59-year-old star revealed she is hopeful to continue her relationship with Daniels in his next movie after being enthralled by the script.